PSG strike early in Gothenburg
Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain played out a 1-1 draw in an entertaining pre-season friendly at Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg, Sweden. PSG made a fast start and needed only two minutes to open the scoring. Dro Fernandez delivered a dangerous low cross from the flank, allowing Ibrahim Mbaye to finish from close range past United goalkeeper Tom Heaton. The early goal gave the French side control of the opening exchanges, although United responded positively.
United gradually pushed higher up the pitch, with Bryan Mbeumo emerging as their most threatening attacking outlet. In the 20th minute, the Cameroon international tested Matvey Safonov with a well-struck free-kick, but the PSG goalkeeper produced a sharp save. Safonov was called into action again eight minutes later as United continued to grow into the game. PSG still posed a threat on the counter-attack, but the English side were increasingly able to dictate possession.
Mbeumo brings United level
United’s persistence was rewarded in the 32nd minute through Mbeumo, who continued his impressive pre-season form. Amad Diallo won the ball in a dangerous area before quickly finding the forward. Mbeumo showed composure to create space and fire an accurate effort beyond Safonov for the equaliser. The goal was his third of United’s pre-season campaign.
The Premier League side nearly completed the turnaround before half-time. Mbeumo again forced Safonov into a save from another threatening free-kick in the 38th minute. A minute later, Harry Maguire nodded a corner back into the six-yard area, but Andrey Santos sent his close-range header wide. Both teams entered the interval level after an open and competitive first half.
Tielemans makes his United debut
United suffered a setback shortly after the restart when Heaton was forced off through injury in the 49th minute, with Dermot Mee taking his place. Mbeumo remained lively and produced another powerful run and shot in the 54th minute, only to be denied once more by Safonov. PSG then introduced several established players, including Marquinhos, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes. The changes added further quality and control to the French champions’ midfield and defensive structure.
Michael Carrick also made a series of notable substitutions as Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Amass entered the contest. Tielemans’ appearance marked his first minutes in a Manchester United shirt following his arrival at the club. In the 72nd minute, a collision involving Safonov and Zirkzee created an opening for Amass, but a PSG defender recovered in time to block his attempt. Neither side could find a late winner, despite maintaining a strong tempo until the final whistle.
Valuable pre-season test for both sides
The result provided another useful stage in United’s preparations for the 2026/27 season. Mbeumo’s goal and energetic display offered further encouragement, while Fernandes returned to the squad after his post-World Cup break. Tielemans’ debut also gave supporters an early glimpse of what he may bring to Carrick’s midfield. PSG, meanwhile, gained valuable competitive minutes as they continue their build-up towards their upcoming official title matches.